When it came to boosting the economy, the Tennessee Valley Authority was one of best utilitiesin North America in fiscal 2010, according to Site Selection magazine.

Knoxville-based TVA is one of ten utility companies included on the annual “Top Utilities in Economic Development” list published in the magazine’s September issue.

The magazine cited TVA for providing services, incentives and financial assistance that “helped companies invest $4.3 billion in economic development projects and attract or retain 41,000 jobs across the region in fiscal year 2010 …”

Site Selection magazine released its 2010 Governor’s Cup rankings today and Tennessee is no where to be found, falling from fifth place a year ago.

The Cup goes to the state with the most new or expanded capital projects. Texas won the 2010 Cup with 424 projects followed by Ohio (376 projects), Louisiana (347), Pennsylvania (337) and Georgia (251).

Scott Kupperman, a top site selection consultant, will be in Knoxville on Thursday for the Knoxville Chamber’s “Site Selection 101” event.

Kupperman is senior vice president of strategic services with Epstein Global, a Chicago-based architecture, interiors, engineering and construction firm.

Should be an interesting talk. Matching the right company with the right property is never easy.

Kupperman will provide an overview of the site selection process at the Chamber office 17 Market Square, at 7:30 a.m. He will offer tips on how a community can prepare for a corporate site search process, including the need to “have “shovel ready” locations for prospects.”

The event is open to anyone interested in learning more about the site selection process.

Rant$ and Rave$

ABOUT THIS BLOG

Rant$ and Rave$ will comment on the good, bad and sometimes bizarre business news in East Tennessee and around the country. Rant$ and Raves is written by News Sentinel business reporter Roger Harris, who can be reached via email or (865) 342-6342.
Illustration of Roger Harris by Don Wood/News Sentinel